Usyk beats Fury in epic showdown, photos and video
Usyk and Fury determined the world heavyweight champion (photo: Getty Images)
Oleksandr Usyk defeated Tyson Fury to become the world champion in the heavyweight division, holding the WBC, WBA, and WBO titles. The rematch occurred at the packed Kingdom Arena in Riyadh and lasted all 12 rounds. As in their first fight, the Ukrainian won by a decision from the judges, according to the broadcast of the boxing match.
How the Usyk-Fury 2 fight unfolded
Both boxers entered the ring focused.
Photo: Rematch of Usyk and Fury in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, WBO
Photo: Rematch of Usyk and Fury in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, WBO
Photo: Rematch of Usyk and Fury in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, WBO
Ukrainian anthem performed by Artem Pivovarov.
Usyk sang the national anthem alongside one of today's most popular artists.
Photo: Usyk sings the national anthem
After round 9, Usyk led by two points.
Photo: Rematch of Usyk and Fury in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, WBO
Photo: Rematch of Usyk and Fury in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, WBO
Photo: Rematch of Usyk and Fury in the heavyweight division according to WBC, WBA, WBO
How much money did Usyk and Fury earn for the fight
The agreement between the fighters and the event organizers is typically confidential.
According to Western media, the total payout for the first fight was $150 million, divided with a 70% to 30% split in Fury’s favor. Despite losing, Tyson earned about $105 million, while Oleksandr, although victorious, received $45 million.
This time, according to rumors and insider information, the Ukrainian and the Brit earned a combined $190 million. However, the split was 60% to 40% in Usyk's favor. Thus, Usyk received $114 million, and Fury got $76 million. After factoring in revenue from the fight's broadcast, these amounts may increase. Nevertheless, it is already clear that the purse for the rematch set a record for both fighters.
Additionally, Usyk received a special jubilee belt from the WBC, in addition to the WBC, WBA, and WBO titles. This commemorative belt marks the 50th anniversary of the classic heavyweight fight between George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, known as the Rumble in the Jungle. In October 1974, Ali shocked the world by knocking out the champion, becoming the WBA and WBC titleholder.
The future of Usyk after his victory over Fury
Usyk's future decisions will depend on his physical condition, ambitions, and the offers he receives following his victory over Fury. Several options are currently most likely.
Retirement: For the 37-year-old Usyk, retiring at the peak of his career as an undefeated champion seems like a logical choice. This would allow him to enter boxing history as a legend. However, Usyk does not yet appear tired of boxing, so his career will likely continue.
Title defenses and potential relinquishment of belts: Holding multiple championship belts, Usyk will face challenges regarding their defense. Boxing organizations typically insist on regular title defenses, and if a champion fails to comply, they may declare the belt vacant.
A unification fight for the IBF title: The most likely scenario is a fight for the IBF title if Daniel Dubois or another promising boxer claims it. The anticipated timing for such a bout is the second half of 2025, provided successful negotiations between the teams.
A third fight with Tyson Fury seems unlikely.
Facts from Oleksandr Usyk's biography
Usyk was born on January 17, 1987, in Simferopol. After Russia's occupation of Crimea in 2014, he remained loyal to Ukraine, refusing to change his citizenship and repeatedly expressing his stance on the peninsula's belonging.
Initially, Oleksandr played football and was part of Tavriya's youth team. He even planned to become a professional footballer but switched to boxing at the age of 15. Many years later, Sasha's dream came true — he now holds a contract with the Ukrainian professional football club Polissya and has even played a few minutes in the wolves jersey.
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: facebook.com/Alexanderusyk)
Usyk won gold medals at the 2011 World Championship and the 2012 Olympic Games in London. He defeated Italian Clemente Russo in the Olympic final, securing one of Ukraine's four gold medals. At the Olympics, everyone noticed his celebratory hopak dance, which later became his trademark. Similarly, the Cossack-style haircut, which Usyk wore for a long time, symbolized his respect for the history and culture of Ukrainian Cossacks.
Oleksandr turned professional in 2013, and just five years later, he unified all the belts in the cruiserweight division (up to 91 kg). He became the undisputed world champion by defeating Murat Gassiev in the final of the World Boxing Super Series tournament. Notably, Usyk defended his undisputed cruiserweight titles in all four major versions after just 15 fights, setting a record in this weight class.
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: facebook.com/Alexanderusyk)
In 2021, Usyk made history by defeating Anthony Joshua and taking his WBA, IBF, WBO, and IBO championship belts. Thus, the Ukrainian became one of the few boxers to win titles in both weight categories.
Known as "The Cat" due to his agility and unique movement style in the ring, Usyk is also famous for his humor and distinctive antics during weigh-ins and press conferences. This trait has made him a favorite among journalists and fans alike.
During training, he enjoys dancing to Ukrainian music and joking around, creating a relaxed atmosphere in the gym. He believes that maintaining a positive mindset is key to success. Notably, during his entrance to the ring, Usyk often used Ukrainian symbols and musical compositions, helping to promote national culture.
Oleksandr Usyk (photo: facebook.com/Alexanderusyk)
Usyk is married to his childhood sweetheart, Kateryna, and the couple has four children. He frequently emphasizes that his family is his greatest motivation. The boxer is also a deeply religious person and is actively involved in charity work, supporting orphanages and helping the Ukrainian Armed Forces. He also organizes sports events for youth. A large portion of his earnings is donated to rebuilding structures and institutions in Ukraine that were destroyed by Russia.
Usyk's favorite movie is Gladiator, which he finds very motivating. The boxer uses unconventional training methods, such as mountain workouts and working with non-standard equipment to improve his endurance.
Usyk always emphasizes his pride in being Ukrainian. He advocates for national unity and serves as a symbol of strength, humanity, and hope for many people around the world.
Facts from Tyson Fury's biography
Tyson Fury was born on August 12, 1988, in Manchester, England, and was named after legendary boxer Mike Tyson, whose exhibitions recently included a fight against Jake Paul. Fury’s father, a huge fan of Iron Mike, named his son Tyson in hopes he would become a great champion.
Interestingly, Tyson was born prematurely, weighing only 450 grams — three months earlier than expected. Doctors didn’t believe he would survive, but not only did he survive, but he also grew to 127 kg, as shown in his latest weigh-in.
Fury's father was a professional heavyweight boxer, and his uncle, Peter Fury, became his trainer, helping to shape his career. Tyson's brother, Tommy Fury, is also a boxer and a star on British reality shows.
Fury comes from a family of Irish Travellers with a rich boxing history. His nickname, The Gypsy King, reflects his ethnic roots and pride in his heritage.
Tyson Fury (photo: facebook.com/TysonFuryGypsyKing)
Despite being a heavyweight, Tyson Fury possesses an unusual lightness and agility in the ring. His quick reflexes, swift movements, and unique style have allowed him to secure victories over opponents who appeared to be stronger.
However, after winning the world championship in 2015, Fury fell into a deep depression, gaining over 180 kg and struggling with alcohol and drug addiction. He even contemplated suicide. Fortunately, he managed to overcome these challenges.
In 2018, Fury made his comeback to the ring, and in one of the most thrilling matches, he drew with another legendary boxer, Deontay Wilder. In their 2020 rematch, Fury knocked out Wilder to regain the world championship title. He also donated part of his earnings to support people dealing with addiction.
Tyson Fury (photo: facebook.com/TysonFuryGypsyKing)
Like Usyk, Tyson Fury is a deeply religious man. He has often emphasized that his faith in God helped him overcome life's difficulties and return to boxing. He is also a father of seven children with his wife, Paris.
In addition to boxing, Fury has ventured into various fields: he has recorded several songs, including a duet with Don McLean of American Pie, performed in wrestling, and actively appeared in commercials. The boxer also released his memoir, Behind the Mask, where he shared his journey in sports, his battle with depression, and his triumph over challenges. Furthermore, the Gypsy King is fluent in several languages, including French and Italian.
Fury often grabs attention not only for his fights but also for his flamboyant costumes and behavior. He has entered the ring wearing a royal cape, a Mexican sombrero, and even dressed as the superhero Batman.
It's no surprise that the boxer-turned-showman ranks among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
However, the most significant aspect of his story is how his life and career inspire millions of people around the globe.
Tyson Fury (photo: facebook.com/TysonFuryGypsyKing)
